Thread: homesick in U.S. heartland

How sickening is this?


Spanish radio soothes the homesick in U.S. heartland
Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:50am ET


The 2000 Census put the region's Hispanic population at more than 22,000, but experts believe the number has since more than tripled.

It's a market Peter Davidson knows well. His Davidson Media Group bought the station last year and immediately converted it to a 24-hour Spanish-language format -- his 33rd such station.

Davidson says Spanish media is old news in cities like Los Angeles and Miami. The fastest growing immigrant populations are now in the heartland, from North Carolina to Kansas and Kentucky.

While Hispanic migration into the largely white, English-speaking swath of middle America may have helped stoke an anti-immigrant backlash, Davidson sees only a burgeoning business opportunity.

"We have no problem getting listeners. These are high-growth emerging markets," said Davidson, adding that Hispanic businesses also clamor to advertise on the station.

Luring traditional English businesses to advertise is more difficult. Cipriano said some hang up when they hear his accent. On the other hand, McDonald's will begin advertising next week.

Jon Petrovich, broadcast chair at the Medill School of Journalism, said Spanish radio is a growing niche market.

"If you're homesick and you're lonesome and it's all about language ... you'll go where you feel welcome, and a lot of comfort is with language," said Petrovich, who launched CNN en Espanol and CNN Radio Noticias. Continued...

Cipriano brings comfort to his listeners with recipe contests and prayer requests for a sick child. He also promotes upcoming community events, and explains what the looming tax filing season means for workers.

"We are not just here to play music and pass messages, we're here to get people involved in the community," said Cipriano.

Local Hispanics say the station is a touch of home.

"We have it on all day long, and I also have it on in my car," said Lluliana Padilla as she worked the cash register at her family's Hispanic grocery store in Florence, Kentucky.



"A lot of people don't have their family here," Padilla explained. "This music, it's kind of like home."


http://today.reuters.com/news/articlene ... ticlePage3

How sickening is this?

...enough to warrant a barf bag!!!

Davidson sees only a burgeoning business opportunity.

Why of course you do Mr Davidson and that is a big part of the problem. We are all just consumers to people like you. Dollar bill at all coast.

America? What's this America you speak of?

If I had a puking smiley, I would put it right here________

Mr, Davidson said it well, "alot of comfort is with language" That is evidently for Hispanics only, because its ok that millions of Amerians don't feel comfortable in their own country anymore, mr, Davidson, This is the United States of America--SPEAK ENGLISH so we can feel comfort in our own country.

...here ya go April...

Thanks!!!!